OBITUARY: Douglas 'Doug' Lithun

Monday

Dec 17, 2012 at 12:44 PMDec 17, 2012 at 2:50 PM

Longtime physical education teacher in Crookston, a memorial service will be held in the summer.

Douglas George Lithun, age 78, passed away on Sunday December 16th, 2012 in Mesa, AZ after a long battle with heart disease. He was born to George and Dena (Block) Lithun in Harvey, ND on April 30, 1934. He graduated from Harvey High School in 1952 and joined the US Navy in 1953. He served in Adak, Alaska and Puerto Rico as a communications technician. He was united in marriage to Lois Ann Lyall on June 10, 1956 in Harvey, ND.

Doug enrolled at the University of North Dakota after his service commitment and received his B.S. and M.S. Degrees in Physical Education. In 1961, he accepted a position teaching elementary physical education in Crookston, MN. He retired from this position in 1991. Doug's creative abilities enabled him to implement many programs that were beneficial to both his students and the community. He received the Partners of Education Award from the Crookston Chamber of Commerce in 1993. After retirement, Doug and Lois wintered in Mesa, AZ. Since 2003, they have summered at Travelers County Club on the Mississippi near Clear Lake, MN.

Doug was an avid sportsman. Hunting, fishing, racquetball, pool and golf were a few of the many activities he enjoyed. In the early 1960s, he was a member of the Crookston Flying Club. He was a high school football and basketball referee, and coached golf for several years. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston. After retiring, he developed a talent for matting and framing various works of art. But what he enjoyed most was spending time with family and friends.

Doug is survived by his wife, Lois; sons Mark Lithun of Middle River, MN, Kirk Lithun and daughter-in-law, Lara of Plymouth, MN, granddaughter Mallory Lithun, grandson Benjamin Lithun of Plymouth, MN, sister Esther J. Pritchard and brother-in-law Richard D. Pritchard of Houston, TX, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sister June Beireis of Grand Forks, ND.

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